This thing is like a Swiss army knife. It inverts and collapses to a modest 19" and weighs only 4lbs, but it can turn into nearly anything...A 6 and half foot monopod? Sure.A standing height tripod? You bet.Super sturdy low angled legs? Rodger that.Upside down with an inverted column putting your camera just a hair off the ground? It's got you covered.Taking photos straight down for a book or a decomposition? The center column can slide up and then over.Want a different head, besides any normal 3/8" head? The head screw is reversible so you can directly attach the camera directly or use some weird 1/4" lighting accessory.Is it extra windy and need more heft? Well the built in spring hook makes it easy to add extra weight to the bottom. Need an extra plate or prefer using camera L brackets? The head uses Arca-Swiss style plates, so finding replacements or compatible brackets is easy.Seriously, if you're buying your first tripod (or second after that cheap plastic/aluminum one that came with the camera) you can't go wrong with this tripod... wherever you end up going with your photography this one will help get you there.Are there any cons? Of course, photography is all about trade offs. While this has more than enough heft for any mirror-less and most DSLR use... you may want something heftier, yet less versatile is you're doing video work or using crazy heavy lenses. The feet of the tripod are good all purpose rubberized feet, but it doesn't have spikes which you may need for rocky/sandy locations. If you don't need all the features, setting up a simpler tripod may be faster than one that can do everything. And finally it's good mid-range gear, so eventually, with heavy use the clamps, springs and clips will wear out, but considering the value it provides until that day, it's totally worth it.